New Delhi: Tomorrow is the birth anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of the country and known as the Missile Man. Dr. Kalam, who was an example of simplicity, gentleness, dedication and honesty, was born on 15 October 1931 in Dhanushkodi, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.

Dr. Kalam had made a significant contribution as the director for developing the country's first indigenous satellite launch vehicle SLV-3. On Kalam's birth anniversary, let us tell you some very important and instructive stories related to his personal life...

Story No. 1: This is how 'Kalam Suit' was made

This is about the time when Dr. Kalam became the President on 25th July 2002. The tailor brought closed neck suits for Kalam, but Kalam did not like these suits. Kalam said- I cannot even breathe wearing these. The tailor got worried and started thinking what to do. Then Kalam suggested- you cut it a little near the neck. After this the tailor did the same. Then what happened was that this cut suit of Kalam came to be known as 'Kalam Suit'.

Story number-2: When Atal hugged me and offered me to become a minister

Journalist Raj Chengappa has mentioned this in his book 'Weapons of Peace'. This incident is also related to Dr. Kalam. In fact, when the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi introduced Kalam to Atal Bihari Vajpayee in a meeting, she hugged Kalam instead of shaking hands with him.

After this, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee became the Prime Minister for the second time, he invited Kalam to join his cabinet, but Dr. Kalam politely declined this post. Kalam had said- 'Defense research and nuclear testing program is reaching its final stage. He can serve the country better by fulfilling his current responsibilities.'

Story number-3: The account of family expenses was kept in Rashtrapati Bhavan 

PM Nair, who was secretary to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, told in an interview- It was May 2006. Kalam was the President, he had invited about 52 members of his family to Rashtrapati Bhavan. These people stayed in Rashtrapati Bhavan for eight days. During this time Kalam even paid the fare for their stay in Rashtrapati Bhavan from his own pocket. 

While the guests stayed at Rashtrapati Bhavan, even the account of every cup of tea was kept. After the guests left, Kalam issued a cheque of Rs. 3 lakh 52 thousand from his account and deposited it in the Rashtrapati Bhavan office.

Story number-4: Saved the lives of children of Tanzania

It was September 2000. Kalam had gone on a trip to Tanzania. During this time he came to know that children suffering from congenital heart disease were dying there due to lack of treatment. Kalam asked the then Air India Chairman V Tulsidas to bring these children from Dar es Salaam to Hyderabad.

On Kalam's request, about 24 children were brought to India. They underwent surgery here. Kalam started his 74th birthday on 15 October 2005 by meeting children of Tanzania suffering from heart disease. He stroked the head of each child and gave each of them a box of toffees which he had brought from Delhi.